Storm has acquired World English Language rights for a new contemporary mystery series by USA Today bestselling author of Watch It Burn, Kristen Bird. The first book, A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem, follows Dakota Green, a stable hand who would rather compete in the hunger games than take part in her small-town’s annual beauty pageant. But her dead mother’s last wish is about to see her trading her muck boots for Jimmy Choos – and uncover a decades old mystery of a missing beauty queen.

Deputy Managing Director Claire Bord acquired the series via Jill Marsal at the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Bird said:

“I’m thrilled to work with Claire and the entire team at Storm to introduce Dakota Green and a lively cast of characters. The series is a delight to write, and I hope readers fall in love with this story as much as I have.”

Bord commented:

“Kristen has created an instantly lovable cast of characters that will have readers laughing out loud one moment and on the edge of their seats the next. Dakota Green is a refreshingly relatable and empowered protagonist—an unlikely beauty queen detective you can’t help but root for. Fans of Finlay Donovan, Jesse Q. Sutanto and Miss Congeniality will be hooked on this incredible series!”

A Beauty Queen’s Guide to Murder and Mayhem will publish in February 25 followed by An Heiress’s Guide to Death and Diamonds in June 25 and The Bride’s Guide to Happiness and Homicide in November 25. All books will be published in ebook, audio and paperback. Readers can connect with Kristen on her website, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram.

Oliver Rhodes

Storm Managing Director

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